Page 93 of No Such Thing as Serendipity

As I debated what I should do, a voice from outside startled me.

“Jesus, were ya all born in a barn?” Annie said. “Who left the damned door open?”

Shit.I hurried to the open door and slipped out, almost colliding with Annie.

I muttered an apology before bolting down the stairs.

Emma would have to deal with not being able to contact me. No way was I going into the villa to retrieve my phone now.

CHAPTER 26

By the time Islipped into the square, I was nearly running. I headed straight toward the path leading into the woods, getting as far away from everyone as I could. My feet pounded the path until I reached the clearing where we’d danced. I didn’t intend to go there, at least consciously, but it was where I ended up. Seeing the space, the memory of yesterday flooded over me. I was unclear whether it was the fast walk or my thoughts that had me breathless.

I kneeled, trying to pull oxygen into my lungs. Emotions flooded over me, and I blinked back tears. Life was so much simpler before I came here. I sat back on my heels. Sitting on the forest floor, I took deep breaths and listened to the sound of the birds in the trees. My insides began to calm with each exhalation.

“You can run, but you can’t hide.”

The familiar voice made me jump.

“Em, Jesus, did you follow me?”

“Nah, I just happened to be walking past.” Emma laughed. “Of course, I followed you. After I saw you running from the square, I knew you’d need to talk.”

“Because I’m so damned good at talking about my feelings.”

“You are now. That’s why I brought you here.” Emma laughed. “If I’m not mistaken, you were using the breathing method we learned in class.”

I rose to my feet. I considered telling her to go away. Instead, I said, “Take a walk with me?”

Emma laced her arm through mine.

“You don’t mind missing our next session?” I asked.

“Somehow, I think this will be more beneficial than self-confession bingo.”

“Seriously? That’s what you signed us up for?” I turned and stared at her.

“No, I’m kidding.” Emma laughed.

The laughter released the tension in my shoulders. We walked in silence for a while before Emma said, “Tell me what happened.”

“Which part?”

“Nice try. Start with last night. Tell me what happened between you and Dana.”

“Nothing happened,” I practically shouted.

“I figured that.” Emma bumped her hip into mine as we walked. “Either that or you were terrible in bed.”

“Hey, I’ve had no complaints. In fact—”

“No. I don’t need to hear it. Unless you want to hear about Andrew and—”

“Stop. You win.”

“I thought you’d see it my way.”

As we rounded the bend in the path, the distinct sound of water filled my ears. “Hey, do you hear that?”